SPC flooring is one of the easiest floors to install yourself, thanks to its rigid core and click-lock system. Whether you're working on concrete, timber, or existing tiles, this guide covers everything you need to know to lay SPC flooring on each subfloor type, with clear step-by-step instructions from prep to finish.

What are the different installation methods for SPC flooring?

There are two main ways to install SPC flooring: click-lock and loose lay. Click-lock (also called floating installation) is the most common method. Planks interlock along their edges without adhesive, creating a floor that floats freely over the subfloor. Loose lay uses the weight and friction of the planks to hold the floor in place with no locking system or glue required. Most SPC flooring sold in the UK uses a click-lock system.

Find out more about SPC flooring in our full guide, or learn the main differences between SPC and LVT flooring to decide which one is right for your home.

Why does the subfloor matter when fitting SPC?

The subfloor directly affects how stable and long-lasting your finished floor will be. SPC's rigid core is more tolerant than LVT or laminate, but significant dips, bumps or moisture in the subfloor will cause planks to flex, creak or fail to click together properly. Getting the base right before you start is the single most important step in fitting SPC flooring successfully.

What you’ll need for laying SPC flooring

Before you start, make sure you have all the tools to hand. Running out mid-installation wastes time and can affect the quality of your finish. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Tape measure

  • Pencil and chalk line

  • Spirit level or floor levelling gauge (3m batten)

  • Utility knife and straight edge

  • Jigsaw or fine-toothed handsaw

  • Rubber mallet

  • Tapping block and pull bar

  • Spacers (8–10mm)

  • Moisture meter (for concrete subfloors)

  • Damp-proof membrane (0.2mm polyethylene sheeting)

  • Floor levelling compound (if needed)

  • Safety goggles and gloves

Browse our flooring accessories for fitting kits, underlay and everything else you'll need.

How to install SPC flooring on concrete

Concrete is one of the most common subfloors in UK homes and suits SPC well. The main considerations are moisture and levelness. Follow these steps to install your SPC flooring correctly on a concrete base.

  1. Check the moisture level: Use a moisture meter to test the slab. Cement screed must have a CM reading below 2% before you begin installation. High moisture risks mould and product failure.

  2. Allow new concrete to cure fully: New concrete must dry for a minimum of 60 days before SPC is laid on top. Rushing this stage could cause major issues down the line.

  3. Check the floor is level: Use a 3m batten and spirit level. The subfloor must be flat to within 3mm over 2m. Mark any high spots or dips.

  4. Grind down high spots and fill dips: Sand down raised areas and use a floor levelling compound to fill depressions. Allow the compound to cure fully before moving on.

  5. Clean the subfloor thoroughly: Remove all dust, debris and any old adhesive residue. The surface must be clean and dry for the floor to perform correctly.

  6. Lay a damp-proof membrane: Roll out 0.2mm of polyethylene sheeting across the entire floor, overlapping edges by at least 200mm. Seal all joins with moisture-proof tape.

  7. Acclimatise the flooring: Place the unopened packs flat in the room for a minimum of 48 hours at 18–22°C before installation. This allows the planks to adjust to the room's conditions.

  8. Plan your layout: Measure the room width and divide by the plank width to check your final row won't be less than 50mm wide. Adjust your starting row if needed.

  9. Place spacers and begin laying: Start in the left-hand corner of the room, working left to right. Place 8–10mm spacers against all walls to maintain the required expansion gap.

  10. Click the planks together: Angle each plank at approximately 20–30° and press down to engage the click joint. Use a tapping block and rubber mallet to close any gaps. Stagger end joints by at least 300mm between rows.

  11. Fit the final row: Measure and cut the last row to width using a jigsaw or utility knife. Use a pull bar to click the final planks into place against the wall.

  12. Remove spacers and fit finishing trims: Take out all spacers once the floor is complete. Fit door bars and skirting or beading to cover the expansion gap around the perimeter.

SPC flooring does not require a long acclimatisation period after fitting. The floor can be walked on immediately. However, you should wait 24 hours before placing any heavy furniture on it.

How to install SPC flooring on wood

Timber subfloors are common in older UK properties and work well for SPC, provided the boards are sound and secure. Here’s how to lay SPC flooring on a wood subfloor.

  1. Check for movement and squeaks: Walk the entire floor and identify any loose or springy boards. These must be screwed down firmly before you start. Unsecured boards will cause the SPC to flex and fail at the joints.

  2. Check the floor is level: Use a 3m batten to identify high spots or dips. The subfloor must be flat to within 3mm over 2m. Sand down any raised board edges and fill hollows with a suitable floor levelling compound.

  3. Check for nail or screw heads: Any protruding fixings must be punched below the surface or removed. Even small obstructions will show through the SPC planks over time.

  4. Inspect for damp and rot: Check for signs of moisture damage, soft spots or rot, particularly near external walls or where pipes run. Address any damp issues before proceeding with installation.

  5. Clean the subfloor: Sweep and vacuum thoroughly. The surface should be clean, dry and free from any loose materials before you start.

  6. Acclimatise the flooring: Lay the unopened packs of SPC flooring flat in the room for a minimum of 48 hours at 18–22°C before installation begins.

  7. Plan your layout: Decide on the direction of the planks (typically running parallel to the longest wall) and calculate your starting row to ensure balanced edge rows on both sides.

  8. Place spacers and begin laying: Start in the left-hand corner, placing 8–10mm spacers against all walls. Work row by row, left to right, clicking planks together at a 20–30° angle.

  9. Stagger the joints: Offset end joints by a minimum of 300mm between adjacent rows to ensure the floor locks together as a stable unit.

  10. Cut and fit the final row: Measure carefully and cut the last row to the correct width. Use a pull bar to click the final planks into place.

  11. Remove spacers and add finishing trims: Fit skirting, beading or door bars to cover the expansion gap around the full perimeter.

SPC can be walked on immediately after fitting, but wait at least 24 hours before moving furniture back in.

How to install SPC flooring on tiles

Existing ceramic or porcelain tiles are a suitable base for SPC, saving you the cost and disruption of removal. However, the tiles must be in good condition. Here's how to fit SPC flooring over a tiled subfloor.

  1. Check the tiles are sound: Tap each tile to check for hollow spots, which indicate a failed bond beneath. Any loose or cracked tiles must be re-adhered or replaced before you begin. A broken tile beneath the SPC will cause the plank above it to crack over time.

  2. Check tile joint depth and width: SPC can bridge grout joints up to 7mm wide and 2mm deep, with no more than a 2mm offset between adjacent tiles. Joints larger than this must be filled with levelling compound before installation.

  3. Check the overall level: Use a 3m batten to check for any undulation across the tiles. Fill any dips and sand down any raised tile edges. The surface must be flat to within 3mm over a 2m area.

  4. Clean the tiles thoroughly: Remove any grease, wax, cleaning product residue or loose grouting. A clean, dry surface is needed to ensure that the floor performs as intended.

  5. Acclimatise the flooring: Lay the unopened packs flat in the room for a minimum of 48 hours at 18–22°C before you start laying.

  6. Plan your layout: Consider how the SPC plank direction will relate to the tile pattern below. Laying planks at a 45° angle or perpendicular to the tile joints helps prevent any joint alignment that could cause weakness.

  7. Place spacers and start laying: Place 8–10mm spacers against all walls. Begin in the left-hand corner and work row by row, clicking planks together as you go.

  8. Stagger the end joints: Offset end joints by at least 300mm between rows for a structurally stable floor.

  9. Cut and fit the final row: Measure and cut the last row to width. Use a pull bar to close the final row without damaging the click joint.

  10. Remove spacers and fit trims: Add door bars and beading around the full perimeter to cover the expansion gap neatly.

SPC fitted over tiles can be walked on straight away, but allow 24 hours before placing heavy furniture on it.

How to cut SPC flooring

SPC's rigid stone-composite core means it requires a sharp blade or powered saw. For straight cuts along the length of a plank, score firmly multiple times with a utility knife and straight edge, then snap the plank cleanly over a hard edge. For crosscuts and more precise trimming, a jigsaw fitted with a fine-toothed blade (or a mitre saw) gives the cleanest results. Always cut with the decorative face of the plank facing upwards to minimise chipping on the wear layer. Mark measurements clearly with a pencil before cutting, and wear goggles and gloves throughout.

With the right preparation, SPC flooring is straightforward to install on concrete, wood and tiled subfloors. However, if you'd prefer to leave the fitting to the professionals, we work with a nationwide network of experienced fitters who can take care of the installation for you. Contact our team to find out more.